Animal Scientist

Job overview
Animal scientists use the results of their research into animals and animal behaviour to give advice to the livestock industry on how best to handle the production of animals and their primary products such as milk, meat leather and fibres, plus any by-products of these.

They are concerned also with developing new products and generally helping the industry to keep abreast of global developments in this field.

What do people do in this job?

• Studying livestock in their particular environment, making use of up-to-date biotechnology.
• Conserving and putting to use the rich genetic biodiversity of animal species.
• More broadly, assisting the livestock industry in the processing and marketing of animal products and in effectively utilising the natural resources of the country.

Research tasks may vary from working directly with animals to the fundamentals of molecular biotechnology.

Researchers may therefore either spend their working day in physical contact with animals or in the laboratory.

Those who find themselves in the applied situation may have to travel extensively to gain experience of the industry.

Opportunities for employment:-

• In the livestock-industry as agricultural extension officers at a government department of agriculture or as technical advisors to individuals or companies concerned with the livestock industry and to distributors of cattle feed and stock remedies.
• At universities, agricultural colleges and schools.
• As teachers or lecturers.
• Research in specific fields such as nutrition, physiology, breeding and the processing of products.

As specialist advisors or researchers in a government department of agriculture, in agricultural research bodies, in?  ?universities, industrial organisations and manufacturers.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
The most important requirement is to enjoy working with animals.

What qualifications are needed?
A BSc (Animal Science), or BSc (Agric), or BSc with major components in biology and biochemistry.

These first degrees should preferably be strengthened by a relevant postgraduate qualification.